A TEENAGER who went from failing school to a bright future has been praised for her stellar turn around.

Jay Connor's life became chaotic following the death of her father and she was removed from her classes at school due to her behaviour.

But, thanks to Princes Trust course Achieve, the 15-year-old is now on track to studying to be a care worker - and finally has faith in herself.

Now Jay has picked up the Educational Achiever Award, at Prince’s Trust Award’s ceremony.

Jay, from Milton, said: “I changed my whole lifestyle because of Achieve. I moved away from bad friendships, I went back to school and I’ve been accepted on an access course that will help me become a care worker, which is what I want to be.

“Achieve made me believe in myself. I’d never been able to do that before.”

Jay’s mental health suffered after her father’s death and her lifestyle became chaotic.

Her teachers described her as 'disruptive’, ‘non-compliant’ and ‘angry’.

Jay said: “My attendance was below 80 per cent and I got removed from most of my lessons; and when I wasn’t in school, I drank, and partied.

“I hated looking at myself in the mirror. I hated myself full stop. My dad committed suicide when I was younger, and my best pal told me how when I was eight years old.

"It made me sick to the stomach and it affected my mental health. I would get angry and totally flip out and then cry, but I didn’t know why.

"It affected every part of my life. I felt like I didn’t fit, so I stopped trying.”

Jay was persuaded by Springburn Academy to attend Achieve In-centre, a personal development programme from The Prince’s Trust that helps young people reach their potential through practical, activity-based learning.

She added: “I went to Achieve for six weeks and was completely out of my comfort zone, but it was fun. It helped me manage my feelings and talk about my past and that felt really good.

"It made me confident about doing things independently, and it let me help others, which I really like doing."

Within two weeks of starting Achieve, Jay was given the opportunity to go back to school for one last chance, which she grabbed.

The Prince’s Trust and TK Maxx & Homesense Awards recognise the achievements of disadvantaged young people who have succeeded against the odds, improved their chances in life, had a positive impact on their local community, as well as those who have played a part in supporting the work of The Trust.

The awards will be touring the United Kingdom in October and November with celebratory ceremonies taking place in each country and region.

Scotland’s event in Edinburgh was hosted by Anna Williamson, with Masterchef the Professionals winner Gary Mclean, and Love Island’s Camilla Thurlow amongst those in the packed out audience.

Director of Prince’s Trust Scotland Allan Watt said: “Everyone at The Prince’s Trust Scotland applauds the incredible achievements of our award winners who are the best advert for the potential of the 11,000 young Scots we will help this year.

"Even when times are tough, with the right support from a Trust programme alongside our supporters and mentors, young people do great things that give the brighter future they deserve by getting a job, starting a business or getting back into education.”